PGA Professional Suzy Whaley, here working with a student during Whaley's 2004 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit presentation, says this year's theme "comes at the perfect time." (Photo: The PGA of America)
By T.J. Auclair, PGA.com Interactive Producer
The PGA of America will hold its 11th Teaching & Coaching Summit at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., from Dec. 3-7. This year's event theme will be "Leading Instructional Growth into the Future."
The biennial PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit provides PGA Professionals the opportunity to learn from those at the top of the profession.
"Personally, I'm looking forward to challenging my current ideas about instruction and hearing from those that are presenting about how I can improve my teaching," said Suzy Whaley, who along with 2003 PGA Teacher of the Year Laird Small will serve as Masters of Ceremonies at the Summit.
"This can only add value to my student's time and ultimately their desire to play the game more. To me that is the key. The better you are at teaching your students to play and enjoy the game, the more value you add to your property and the properties bottom line."
The presenters on hand for the five-day event include Martin Hall (2008 PGA Teacher of the Year), Jim Hardy (2007 PGA Teacher of the Year) and Bill Forrest (2006 PGA Teacher of the Year).
The Summit will focus on a greater understanding of physical motion and how it can lead to longer-term participation for the customers of PGA Professionals. The speakers will provide insights into learning golf vs. teaching golf.
Along with clinics that feature top instructors specializing in every aspect of the game, from driving to short game, there will also be a number of seminars to help PGA Professionals utilize today's tools and technology to help grow their instruction business.
"I'm extremely excited to be a part of the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit," Whaley said. "This year's Summit 'Leading Instructional Growth into the Future' comes at the perfect time. Many of us in the golf business are feeling the strains of the economy and that includes golf professionals that teach golf.
"In the coming year, all of us that teach will need to maintain and build our businesses more than ever. The Summit will give professionals ideas and tools to take back to their facility to enhance each of their businesses."
There's a loaded schedule for the five-day Summit.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, PGA Professionals can volunteer to take part in the fun and excitement of Play Golf America Day, where they will share their respective instructional expertise with golfers of all ages and abilities.
Thursday, Dec. 4, is Sponsor Technology Day, presented by Callaway Golf with support from Golf Pride Grips and SkyGolf GPS, and will allow PGA Professionals to test the latest designs in golf equipment, golf balls, golf grips and distance-measuring devices.
PGA Professionals will also participate in the PGA/USA Today Hotline via phone or online, where they'll help golfers improve their games and make the golf experience more enjoyable by answering questions on all aspects of the game.
Friday, Dec. 5, will focus on physical motion. Speakers will include, Dr. Rick Rigsby, from Rigsby Communications; David Donatucci, from the PGA Performance Center; David Phillips, from the PGA of America; and Dr. Greg Rose, from the Titleist Performance Institute.
Saturday, Dec. 6, will spotlight learning and coaching. This will be a "must-see" learning environment featuring presentations and live lessons that focus on attaining high performance in coaching, by helping PGA Professionals discover insights into Learning Golf vs. Teaching Golf.
The presentations focus on "How to Attain High Performance in your Coaching." Speakers for Saturday's events include: Michael Hebron, from the PGA of America; Dennis Walters, recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Service Award; Jim Estes, from the PGA of America; Judy Alvarez, from the PGA of America; Hall; Hardy; and Forrest.
Sunday, Dec. 7, the final day of the 2008 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, will center on technology. From Two-Dimensional Analysis to Sensitivity Training, today's experts will share experiences that help formulate strategies for successful long-term participation in the game of golf.
Speakers on the final day include: Errie Ball, PGA, the last living member of the first Masters Tournament; Chris Welch, from e-Welch Technology; Dan Goldstein, from Sports Balance Technology; Andy Beyrer, from LinxTracker; Mike Bender, from the PGA of America; and Henry Brunton, from the Canadian PGA.
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